Jeff Bezos kicks off three-day wedding celebration in Italy

The Amazon founder arrived in Venice on Thursday with fiancée Lauren Sanchez to commence a three-day wedding celebration. The multi-billionaire was seen leaving in a water taxi with Sanchez en route to the 14th-century Cloister of the Madonna dell’Orto on the island city’s northern end, according to Reuters. The pair publicized their relationship in 2019, amid Bezos’ divorce from his wife of 25 years, Mackenzie Scott, with the end of Sanchez’s wedding taking place at around the same time.

That same year, Scott signed the Giving Pledge, a promise by some of the world’s wealthiest philanthropists to give generously. Bezos’ name is not among the list of other signatories listed on the website.

Bezos’ second wedding has been long expected since announcing his engagement to the former TV anchor in 2023.

Who has been seen in attendance? A string of celebrity guests were later seen arriving in water taxis, including media personality host Oprah Winfrey and Microsoft founder Bill Gates, according to Reuters. Former NFL Quarterback Tom Brady was on-hand, according to CBS News. A number of the Kardashians also arrived Thursday, including Kim and Khloe Kardashian, as well as Kris Jenner, Reuters reported. Celebrities Ivanka Trump and Orlando Bloom were also spotted in attendance, according to Reuters.

Some locals pushed back on the wedding, arguing that the city suffered enough from over-tourism and high rent without the additional strain of hosting a wedding for the world’s richest man, CNN reported. However, President of Veneto Luca Zaia has repeatedly welcomed the event, citing it as an economic boon for the city.

What else is planned for the days-long celebration? The Friday ceremony is expected to take place on San Giorgio island, known for the iconic San Giorgio Maggiore bell tower, along with an outdoor amphitheater, a private marina, and pristine gardens. The couple will hold a Saturday reception at the popular Arsenale venue on the city’s eastern end, which served as a main Venetian naval location for centuries.

Dig deeper: Read my previous report about President Donald Trump commenting on a rumored feud with Bezos amid the administration’s controversial tariffs.